Toy simulating a trip to the moon



Dec. 28, 1965 Y 3,225,486

TOY SIMULATING A TRIP TO THE MOON Filed June 11, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet l 57 58 [wa /v5 ,4. 4514 INVENTOR.

Dec. 28, 1965 E. A. LEVY 3,225,486

TOY SIMULATING A TRIP TO THE MOON Filed June 11, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Z/EE/VE ,4. LEI/V Dec. 28, 1965 Y 3,225,486

TOY SIMULATING A TRIP TO THE MOON Filed June 11, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 77 INVENTOR.

Dec. 28, 1965 LEVY 3,225,486

TOY SIMULATING A TRIP TO THE MOON Filed June 11, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 EUGENE ,4. LEVV INVENTOR.

BY fl w United States Patent 3,225,486 TOY SHMULATING A TREE TO THE MOGN Eugene A. Levy, 2429 Laterrnan Terrace, Los Angeles, Calif. Filed June 11, 1962, Ser. No. 201,558 Claims. (Cl. 4610) This invention relates to toys and amusement apparatus and more especially to a structure simulating a trip to the moon.

The general purpose and objective of this invention is to provide a highly amusing toy article simulating a trip into outer space such as a trip to the moon.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel toy apparatus having a part simulating a space ship that is movable a considerable distance vertically to realistically resemble a structure that might be used for a trip to a planet or satellite.

A further object of the invention is to provide improvements in a structure as in the previous objects wherein the indicated movements may be initiated and controlled by remote control means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simulated trip to the moon device having flashing lights which might simulate the lights of an object moving in outer space.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character described having search light type illuminating means to follow the object during its movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel space craft simulating device having an unique mast element that may be extended and collapsed for compactness in handling and storing when not in use.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear and be brought out more fully in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of the invention shown in operative condition.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view enlarged taken along line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on line 44 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 1 showing the invention in partially operative condition.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view showing the motor drive gear mechanism and pulley for raising the elevator element of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is a fragemntary view enlarged showing one of the spark producing elements of the invention.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary view in section showing a control switch part of the invention.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view in section, enlarged, of the guide pole element seen in FIGURES 1, 2 and 5.

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view enlarged taken on line 10-10 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 11 is a side view of a modified casing element.

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view of the same.

FIGURE 13 is view of a modified planet feature of the invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, and especially to FIGURES 1, 2 and 5, the present invention is incorporated in a device or apparatus having a base structure 10, a column 11, a casing 12 and a pedestal 13. These parts may be made of any suitable materials, however, the base structure lil and pedestal 13 are preferably formed of a plastic material and circular in form, the base 10 being secured to a pedestal 13 by suitable adhesive securement or the equivalent. Casing 12 is preferably of a plastic material and may have transparent or translucent wall and top portions if desired. These parts are hollow and have central openings through which guide pile 11 extends. Casing 12 is formed to simulate the cabin of a space ship or craft.

Guide pole 11 is comprised of a plurality of sections 1 15, 16, 17 and 18 of suitable tubular material and having telescopic relation, the lower section 14 thereof extending through a bottom plate 19 of the base structure 10 and having a flared end 14a secured within a bushing or sleeve block 20 on the underside of bottom plate 19. A pin 21 extends across and through the walls of flared end 14a and bushing block 20 for partial support of the guide pole thereon. Guide pole sections 14 and 15 have interfitting tapered or flanged portions 22 and 23 respectively for limiting the extended telescopic extension of the sections and the pole sections 16, 17 and 18 have similar flared formations. The lower sections each have an L-slot 24 and the interfitting upper sections each have a locking pin 25 which interfits in slot 24 for holding the sections in extended position, as may be clearly seen in FIGURES 2 and 5.

A shallow compartment 26 is formed on bottom plate 19 and has a central opening through which guide pole 14 extends and a sleeve 27 having a plurality of wings 28 is secured on compartment 26 such as by cementitious securement. Sleeve 27 has a counterbore or annular groove 2R in which to receive the lower end of a sleeve 39 which comprises the central portion of a web having upper and lower radial members 31 and 32 which extend to the outer wall 33 of the cabin 12. A plurality of battery holding clips 34 and brackets 35 are mounted radially on sleeve 31 and respectively secure a plurality of batteries 36. The upper end of wall 37 of the base structure 10 is formed with an inwardly and downwardly tapered rim 38 which receives the tapering wall 33 of the cabin 12 and on which it rests when in lowermost position.

A plurality of spark motors 44) are suspension mounted under web members 32 which also provide support for U-shaped brackets 41 (FIGURE 7). The shafts of motors 46 each carry a disc wheel 42 on the underside of which are secured a plurality of spring held flints or spark producing elements 43 which bear against a disc 44 the upper surface of which is roughened as by an emery cloth. Thus, upon the operation of motors 4i? sparks will be produced by the rotation of flint bearing wheels 42. Wires 45 interconnect batteries 36 and motors 40 together with an ON and OFF switch 4% mounted in wall 33. A safety switch 47 is positioned on the underside of Wall 33 at the lower portion thereof and has an operator 48 extending through wall 33 so as to be engaged by tapering rim 38 thereof and thereby disconnect the motors 40 when the cabin is in the lowermost position and resting on base structure 10.

A plurality of flashlight holders 50 have bearing mountings at 51 on base plate 19 and carry the shafts of gears 52 which engage and are rotated by gears 53 secured on the ends of a number of Bowden cables 54. Each. cable 54 has its other end secured to a gear 55 and driven by a pinion gear 56. The several gears 55 are mounted in a gear box 57 which is suspension mounted below floor plate 19 of a base structure 10. Pinion gear 56 is driven by a Bowden cable 58 which is secured to a drive shaft 60 which mounts a pinion gear 61 meshing with a gear 62 which drives a gear 63 on the shaft of a motor 64. Gears 61, 62 and 63 are suitably mounted in gear box 57. The gear box also mounts a shaft 65 driven by a gear 66 meshing with gear 61. Bowden cable 58, which is run through gear 56, terminates in the gear 67 suitably mounted within compartment 26 and drives a toroidal gear 68 suitably mounted on a sleeve through which guide pole 11 extends. Gear 68 carries a plurality of flints or sparking devices 69 which rub against the underside of disc 70 similarly mounted. Thus, sparks will be produced when the flint wheel gear 68 is turned.

Shaft 65 mounts a Windlass or pulley 71 on which is wound a cable 72 which is run through guide pole sections 14, 15, 16 and 17 and 18 and over a pulley 73 mounted near the top of guide pole section 18 and then through a wall opening 74 therein, the end of the cable being suitably secured as at 75 to the top of cabin 12. A control cable 76 connected to motor 64 extends through pedestal 13 and to a control switch 77. A plurality of batteries 78 are suitably mounted within the base structure and are connected by wires 79 to motor 64 and to the several flash lamps 50. A ball 80 within a disc 81 may be removably secured on the upper end of section 18 of the guide pole and a vacuum or suction cup 82 may be secured on the upper part of ball 80.

FIGURES 11 and 12 show at 12a a modified form of casing or cabin generally similar to casing 12, however having a cover or canopy 85 therefor supported thereon as by pins or studs 86. Canopy 85 has a depending skirt 87 surrounding casing 12a and is preferably formed of a pair of half sections secured together along a diametral line 88. These sections will be notched at 89 for fitting around guide pole 11.

FIGURE 13 shows an alternate form of satellite ball 99 within a disc 91 and secured to a suction cup 82. A number of these balls may be secured to a room ceiling to simulate a solar system.

The operation of the invention should be apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the parts and their relationship. The guide pole 11 is extended by manual operation, the several upper sections being secured to the lower sections by rotation so that the pins 25 are in the horizontal portions of L-slots 24. If the apparatus is installed in a room, the guide pole can be anchored by engaging the suction or vacuum cup 82 to the ceiling. If necessary, the base structure 10 and pedestal 13 may need to be placed on some elevated horizontal support such as a box or table in order for the guide pole to reach the ceiling under these conditions.

Upon the starting of motor 64 by control from control switch 77 cable 72 will be wound on pulley 71 and the casing or cabin 12 will be slowly raised as shown in FIGURE 5. Upon initiating this movement, switch 47 will be closed and thereupon spark motors 40 will be started causing sparking action to result from spark wheels 42 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 5. As the cabin is elevated, the gear system comprising gears 55 and 56 will cause rotation of flashlight casings 50 which will be turned from the horizontal position shown in FIGURE 2 to a nearly vertical position, indicated in dotted outline in that figure. This gear movement will be such that the light from the flashlights 50 will be substantially directed on the cabin 12 as it rises and during the entire elevation period thereof. During this movement the rotation of shaft 60 and Bowden cable 58 will turn gears 67 and drive spark wheels 68 to produce a sparking action from spark discs 70, which sparking will be visible through suitable openings provided in compartment 26. Motor 64 will be of the reversible type and the foregoing action can be stopped or reversed at any time under the control from control switch 77. Upon the return of the cabin 12 to the base structure 1t) actuating member 43 of safety switch 47 will disconnect the battery power supply to spark motors 40 which will then stop. Rotation of spark wheel 68 will, of course, stop when the cabin 12 is returned to the base and motor 64 is stopped by the control switch 77. Disc 81 may be appropriately embellished with decorative matter or provided with replicas of the several planets comprising a solar system.

The'operation of the invention as explained will give a realistic and interesting, as well as amusing, portrayal of a space craft as it might move from the earth to the moon or other satellite or on some other trip through outer space.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of a preferred form of the invention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, the invention to be accorded the full scope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. A toy as described comprising in combination; a base structure, a central column on said base structure, a toroidal casing normally resting on said base structure having an open bottom and slidably encompassing said column, said casing being movable vertically on said column, a plurality of spark producing devices depending from said open bottom and remotely controlled means for selectively sliding said casing vertically on said column upwardly and then downwardly therealong toward its described position on said base.

2. A simulated trip-to-the-moon toy as described comprising in combination; a base structure, a central telescopic column on said base structure, a toroidal casing having an open bottom encompassing said column, said casing normally resting on said base structure and being movable vertically on said column, a plurality of spark producing devices depending from said open bottom, at least one flashlight on said base structure pivotally mounted on a generally horizontal axis thereon and normally directed horizontally toward said column and being rotatable to generally vertical position in synchronism with vertical movement of said casing and remotely controlled means for moving said casing along said column and for swinging said flashlight from horizontal to generally vertical position in timed relation to movement of said casing upwardly along said column.

3. A toy as described comprising in combination; a base structure, a central telescopic column on said base structure, a toroidal casing normally resting on said base structure and movable vertically on said column, a first circular array of spark producing devices depending from said casing, a second circular array of spark producing devices mounted on said base structure, a circular array of flashlights on said base structure adjacent said second array of spark producing devices, said flashlights being positioned normally horizontal and being rotatable to vertical positions to illuminate said first array of spark producing devices during movement of said casing along said column, vacuum cup means on the top of said column, said vacuum cup means being engageable with a fixed object to stabilize said column and remotely controlled means for vertically moving said casing and rotating said flashlights.

4. A simulated trip-to-the-moon toy comprising:

an upright extendable column;

a simulated moon mounted on the upper end of said column;

a circular base aflixed to the lower end of said column for supporting said column in an upright manner,

said base including a frusto-conical sidewall having a tapered rim forming an open top;

a toroidal casing normally supported by said tapered rim and encompassing said column, said casing being movable vertically on said column;

a first circular array of spark producing devices depending from said casing for emitting sparks therefrom as said casing moves along said column toward and away from said simulated moon;

a second circular array of spark producing devices mounted on said base;

a circular array of flashlights mounted in said base adjacent said second array of spark producing devices, said flashlights normally being in a horizontal position and being rotatable to a nearly vertical position to simulate search lights following said casing during its movement; and

power-driven means mounted in said base for moving said casing upwardly along said column and simul- References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1957 Ensley 273--31 3/1958 Ashley et a]. 46-10 7/ 1959 Higley 272-31 X 7/1962 Martin 46-74 FOREIGN PATENTS 5/1949 Great Britain.

DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Examiner. 

1. A TOY AS DESCRIBED COMPRISING IN COMBINATION; A BASE STRUCTURE, A CENTRAL COLUMN ON SAID BASE STRUCTURE, A TOROIDAL CASING NORMALLY RESTING ON SAID BASE STRUCTURE HAVING AN OPEN BOTTOM AND SLIDABLY ENCOMPASSING SAID COLUMN, SAID CASING BEING MOVABLE VERTICALLY ON SAID COLUMN, A PLURALITY OF SPARK PRODUCING DEVICES DEPENDING FROM SAID OPEN BOTTOM AND REMOTELY CONTROLLED MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY SLIDING SAID CASING VERTICALLY ON SAID COLUMN UPWARDLY AND WHEN DOWNWARDLY THEREALONG TOWARD ITS DESCRIBED POSITION ON SAID BASE. 